Checks and inspections

CHECKS AND INSPECTIONS

The power steering pump, like the steering box, should never be dis-assembled for any reason whatsoever, they must be sent to the Manufacturer for overhauling.

Check the steering wheel rolling torque with the car stationary and the engine running. The torque should bet between 0.6 daN with the engine running at idle speed and 0.75 daN with the engine at top speed: if this value is exceeded check the pressure of the system with the wheels completely steered.

For this purpose, insert a pressure gauge using a suitable "Tee" union on the pressurised oil delivery pipe to the power steering leading from the pump, and steer completely to one side. Further forcing the steering wheel to turn, the pressure reading on the gauge should rise to appr. 85 bar. If this fails to occur there is an operating failure in the pump or in the distributor valve from the power steering box

FILLING THE POWER STEERING CIRCUIT AND BLEEDING AIR

• Remove the plug and fill the tank with the specified oil.
• With the engine at idle speed, making sure that the tank does not empty, turn the steering wheel a few complete turns to bleed the air. Then top up the tank to the maximum level mark.

The power steering tank is self-relieving; this is obtained by completely turning the steering wheel to the right and to the left with the engine running and the vehicle stationary. This operation should be carried out each time the connection pipes are removed and refitted.

Steering stiffness may be due to slipping of the pump pulley belt or low oil level. In the event of an operating failure on the pump, operating cylinder or distributor valve, the power steering system will operate as a normal mechanical steering box.

POWER STEERING OIL RESERVOIR (1.8 - 2.0 TS engines - '98 versions)

REMOVAL/REFITTING

• Open the bonnet.
• Remove the power steering reservoir cap and suck the oil with a suitable syringe. Refit the cap.
• Remove the engine oil filler cap.
• Loosen the engine cover fastening screws.
• Remove the cover.
• Refit the engine oil filler cap.
• Loosen the engine tie-rod fastening screws.
• Remove the tie-rod.

1. Loosen the power steering reservoir fastening screws.
2. Open the clips and disconnect the reservoir-pump return (2a) and delivery (2b) pipes.
3. Take the reservoir.

Refit the power steering oil reservoir by reversing the removal sequence.